When James Tarkowski wheeled away in celebration on Sunday, cupping his ear as if to say, "Let's hear the haters," even the most optimistic Everton fan might have been surprised. The veteran defender, not exactly known for his goal-scoring prowess, had just put the Toffees ahead against Crystal Palace inside the first six minutes.

But maybe we shouldn't have been so shocked. Tarkowski found himself completely unmarked at the back post during a corner, calmly guiding a deflected ball into the net with the kind of composure you'd expect from a seasoned pro. It was a moment that showcased exactly why experience matters in the heat of a Premier League battle.

Here's the stat that really turns heads: the 33-year-old has now been directly involved in three goals from his last seven league appearances — two goals and one assist. To put that into perspective, that's the same tally he managed across his previous 93 games combined. Yes, you read that right. Ninety-three games.

As Everton pushes for a European spot next season, Tarkowski's late-season surge couldn't come at a better time. While the flashy forwards often grab the headlines, it's this kind of veteran leadership — showing up when it matters most — that can make all the difference in a tight race. For the Toffees faithful, seeing a defender step up in attack is just the kind of unexpected boost that fuels a memorable run-in.